The Maternal Support Grant (MSG), aimed at addressing maternal and child malnutrition, has been in the making for over a decade in South Africa. Despite strong evidence supporting its effectiveness and recommendations from the South African Law Reform Commission, the government has not yet implemented the grant. Concerns over cost, dependency, and policy alignment have led to delays, but civil society groups argue for its urgent implementation, citing the need to address malnutrition. Liezel Engelbrecht, Nutrition Lead of the Hold My Hand Accelerator incubated by DGMT speaks to PowerFM to expand on the issue.

Western Cape stunting-prevention pilot reaches over two thousand women, with more to come before end of 2026
A pilot programme tackling stunting in parts of the Western Cape has enrolled over 2 200 women since it began in August 2025. Khulisa Care

